One of the six deaths related to the novel coronavirus is from the Weldon area ZIP code, according to a North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services database on its COVID-19 dashboard.

The other four have been from the Roanoke Rapids area ZIP code while the location of the sixth death has yet to be entered into the database.

Halifax County Health Department Director Bruce Robistow declined to comment on whether any of the six individuals who have died as a result of the virus had underlying health conditions. He has declined comment in the past on any demographic information related to the deaths.

As of this afternoon Robistow reported the health department is aware of 2,855 confirmed tests performed on county residents with the following breakdown:

515 positive cases since testing began; six related deaths; and 307 recoveries.

The approximate number of current cases can be calculated by subtracting the recoveries from the positives.

As of midnight Wednesday there are 61 tests pending and 2,279 known negative results.

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Robistow said by phone this afternoon the increases in Halifax County positive cases are consistent with trends throughout the state and surrounding counties which also show an increase. “I also want to inform you we are doing much more testing under the state of North Carolina CHAMP initiative which is targeting underserved communities where testing is less available.”

The Community testing in High-priority and Marginalized Populations initiative has looked at ZIP codes and how many testing facilities were available and chose those with minimal testing availability to target increased testing, Robistow said. “This testing is being performed by private labs selected by the state one of which is Vidant Health. My hope is that our percent of positive tests will start to decrease from the 18 percent I reported last week.” 

In his afternoon update Robistow said, “This week we note a consistent increase in positive cases each day which continues our trend line in an upward direction.”

The health director continues to encourage residents to practice the three Ws — waiting six feet apart, wearing a facial covering and washing and disinfecting hands frequently. “Doing so can make a huge difference in your health and the health of others. Improving your compliance with the 3 Ws now will both better educate children as to how to practice them and also provide a safer community for when school starts. Please take this opportunity to protect our children and each other very seriously.”

Northampton County

The health department reported Wednesday there are 279 total positive cases of which 214 have recovered. There have been 16 deaths.